Starting from the academic year 2025–2026, UAntwerp will become a completely smoke-free university across all its campuses. Today, we are taking the first steps towards smoke-free campuses and are implementing the requirements of the updated legislation. You can read more about what this entails and where smoking is or isn’t allowed in our current smoking policy.
Current Smoking Policy
A general ban on smoking or vaping applies across all UAntwerp campuses in the following areas:
- Smoking or vaping is no longer permitted within a 10-meter radius of all building entrances and exits (including emergency exits) as of 31 December 2024.
- Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings.
- By law, smoking or vaping is also prohibited within 10 meters of any sports complex entrance or exit. This includes areas such as Basic Fit on Campus Middelheim, and all sports halls and fields.
These guidelines follow the law of 22 December 2009 concerning smoke-free environments and the protection of the population against tobacco smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which products are covered by the smoking ban?
The ban applies to all tobacco-based and similar smoking products, including electronic cigarettes (with or without nicotine) and herbal smoking products.
Can I smoke in my office or in a service vehicle?
All enclosed workspaces and staff facilities in Belgium are smoke-free. That includes your office and university vehicles.
Why are there still ashtrays at some entrances?
Some ashtrays remain in place for now, but they are being gradually removed. All ashtrays within the 10-meter perimeter will be removed in the short term. By the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, all ashtrays—and the smoking booth at Campus Groenenborger—will be gone.
If there are no more ashtrays, where do I put my cigarette butt?
Please be considerate and do not throw cigarette butts on the ground. You can use a portable pocket ashtray or smoke on the street/off-campus where ashtrays are still available. Even there, do not throw your butt on the ground.
Can I throw my cigarette butt in a bin?
No, cigarette butts in waste bins pose a fire hazard. We’ve received multiple reports of bins catching fire due to smouldering cigarette ends. They smoulder much longer than you think, so please never dispose of them in regular bins. Again, we recommend using a pocket ashtray.
Can I still smoke on walking and cycling paths?
If these paths are public roads, smoking is still allowed. However, if they run through a sports facility or fall within the 10-meter perimeter of campus building entrances and exits, smoking is prohibited.
What happens if I don’t comply with the smoking ban?
Inspectors from the Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment are responsible for detecting violations. The police also enforce the law of 22 December 2009.
Violations are punishable under article 13 of the law of 24 January 1977. Both the smoker and the university may face fines ranging from €208 to €8,000.
Looking for help to quit smoking?
The recent changes in UAntwerp’s smoking policy might be the ideal opportunity for a fresh start. Several support options are available:
- Start on your own using resources from Tabakstop.
- Seek help from a certified tobacco expert.
- Your GP or pharmacist can also support you.
- Health insurance providers reimburse (part of) the cost of smoking cessation aids.
Want to know more?
More information about the updated legislation on smoking can be found on the website of the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.